Connecticut House Bill HB05311

Connecticut 2013 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/16/13
• Refer: 1/16/13
• Refer: 1/24/13

Caption

An Act Authorizing The Director Of The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station To Enter Into Compliance Agreements To Stop The Spread Of The Emerald Ash Borer.

Impact

The bill amends existing statutory language under section 22-84 of Connecticut's general statutes, expanding the director's authority over pest management. If enacted, it would allow the director to regulate the transportation of potentially infested materials and enforce quarantines to protect local ecosystems. These amendments are expected to strengthen the state's plant health policies and improve coordinated efforts against pests that threaten agricultural resources.

Summary

House Bill 5311 is a legislative measure aimed at combating the spread of the emerald ash borer, a significant pest threatening ash tree populations in Connecticut. The bill empowers the Director of the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station (CAES) to enter into compliance agreements and issue permits to facilitate the state's response to this invasive species. This involves adopting regulations and actions to control, suppress, or eliminate pests that pose a risk to economically important plants.

Sentiment

The general sentiment surrounding HB 5311 appears to be favorable among agricultural stakeholders and environmental advocates who recognize the need for proactive management of invasive species. The proposal is seen as a critical step in safeguarding Connecticut's natural resources and ensuring that effective measures are in place to prevent the further spread of the emerald ash borer. However, discussions about the depth of regulatory control may raise concerns for those worried about bureaucratic overreach in agricultural practices.

Contention

There may be points of contention related to the implementation of invasive pest management measures, particularly regarding how strict quarantines and compliance agreements will be enforced. Stakeholders may express concerns about the economic implications for local businesses involved in nursery stock and transport activities. Balancing effective pest control while reducing the burden on compliant agricultural practices will likely be an area of ongoing debate.